Sawgrass Thrills: Schauffele Leads Players Championship

Discover the captivating drama at Sawgrass with Xander Schauffele’s gripping performance overtaking Wyndham Clark in a thrilling Players Championship round. Witness key moments like Schauffele’s impressive birdies and Clark’s challenges, setting the stage for an exciting final round.

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The third round of the prestigious Players Championship at Sawgrass witnessed a thrilling battle atop the leaderboard, as Xander Schauffele surged to the outright lead, overtaking overnight leader Wyndham Clark.

US Open champion Clark started his day with a birdie after digging out of the rough. However, Olympic champion Schauffele relentlessly chased him down, sinking a 14-foot birdie on the sixth hole to close the gap to two strokes. The margin was further reduced to just one shot by the turn.

Clark’s misfortune on the 12th hole, where he found the water, allowed Schauffele to capitalize with yet another birdie.

A remarkable 58-foot putt at the 14th saw Schauffele take a one-shot lead, only for Clark to level the scores with a 30-foot birdie on the par-five 16th. However, Clark’s wayward tee shot on the 17th, which resulted in a double-bogey, handed Schauffele a one-shot advantage heading into the final hole. Schauffele calmly tapped in for par and a superb round of 65, giving him a 17-under total and the outright lead.

Notable Performances:

  • Open champion Brian Harman made a significant move, signing for the best score of the week so far – a 64 – to put himself in contention at 15-under.
  • Rory McIlroy’s bid for a second Players Championship title received a late boost, with three consecutive birdies on the closing holes lifting him to nine-under overall.
  • World number one Scottie Scheffler, battling through a neck problem, remains in the hunt at 12-under par despite his fitness concerns.

The final round promises an exciting climax as the chase for the prestigious title intensifies amidst the golfing talent on display at Sawgrass.

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